Tell us about yourself: I was born and raised in western Iowa and attended The University of Iowa where I met my husband. In our 12 years of marriage we have lived in Minneapolis, Zürich, Switzerland, Des Moines, and now, currently reside in Ankeny. We have 3 children ages 6, 4 and 1, whom I entertain, chauffeur, and feed…all day long!
When and why did you become involved with Christkindlmarket Des Moines: I became involved with CDM in April of 2016. We had just moved back from Switzerland in 2015, and I saw this as an opportunity to stay connected to many of the things I loved about my time in Europe.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering with Christkindlmarket Des Moines? I love getting together with the other volunteers. We have so much fun together and our European connections are always topics of conversation, which helps keep my Swiss experiences alive.
Why should others volunteer with Christkindlmarket Des Moines? Volunteering with CDM never feels like a responsibility. It’s another reason to get together with a group of friends and have shared fun. There is truly something for everyone!
Why is it important to volunteer? Volunteering is one of the best ways to be and get connected! If you are new to the area or find yourself without much socializing opportunities, volunteering is a great way to meet people, explore your community, and have fun!
I’m Margaret Townsend. I’m a retired school teacher, grandmother, gardener and community volunteer. I became involved with Christkindlmarket Des Moines during the initial planning time. Suzanne Hull (Festival Director) was contacting local organizations and since I belonged to both the Sons of Norway and the Danish Brotherhood one call was to me.
I met with her and a small group of other interested people to see if there was community interest.
I enjoy working with this dedicated group of young adults. This group is innovative, energetic, and welcoming. You will get a feeling of fulfillment if you join this group. You may even make some new friends.
There is a job that is just made for your set of skills whether you are into carpentry, bar tending, retail sales, scheduling, bookkeeping, music, languages……well you get the idea. (I just thought of a few more: storytelling, dancing, cooking, decorating and dish-washing.)
Watch out this could become addictive!
Centennial Warehousing Corporation has graciously agreed to continue to donate storage space for our wooden vendor stalls.
As a non-profit, community partners are extremely important. Many thanks to Centennial Warehousing Corporation!
Centennial Warehousing is a full service logistics company. Services range from a full service warehouse, over the road trucking, regional distribution, and freight brokerage. We have our own fleet of semi-trucks and 53 ft. air ride trailers driven by our own professional drivers.
We’re pleased to welcome GreenState Credit Union as an Annual Hut Sponsor of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2021.
Organized in 1938, GreenState has grown to be Iowa’s largest credit union and one of the top financial institutions in the United States for returning profits to members in the form of better rates and lower fees. GreenState Credit Union serves over 255,000 members with 24 office locations.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS
December 6-13, 2021
In the Heart of Europe you will find a wonderful surprise – colorful Christmas Markets just waiting to be explored. The dramatic architecture of Europe’s spectacular cities is the perfect backdrop to the charming stalls that offer traditional items from handmade crafts to tasty foods and unexpected joys.
Highlights:
Prague tour & Christmas markets; Cesky Krumlov tour & Christmas market;
Vienna tour & Christmas markets; Schloss Hof tour & Christmas market;
Bratislava tour & Christmas markets, Budapest tour & Christmas markets
Download Brochure
Download Registration Form
Join us for a virtual travel show on May 22 to learn more about the trip. Register here.